Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike eyed by Arsenal

Arsenal are among several clubs interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

The young Frenchman only joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain on loan in February 2024 until the end of the season with an option to buy. In April, the buy option was activated and he joined Eintracht Frankfurt permanently for a fee of €16.5 million.

Hugo Ekitike has been a revelation in the Bundesliga. An impressive season with Eintracht Frankfurt has made him a highly coveted young talent. The 22-year-old has netted 13 goals and supplied four assists in 25 league fixtures, helping Frankfurt to fourth in the Bundesliga table.

The France under-21 international’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed by clubs across Europe – particularly in the Premier League. Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Ekitike following their problems finding a consistent source of goals this season. Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano says Premier League clubs are already reaching out to Frankfurt about a possible summer move for the striker.

“Hugo Ekitike, expected to leave Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer after the excellent season he’s having,” Romano tweeted.

“Premier League clubs already started calling for the French striker ahead of the summer transfer window.”

Ekitike scored on his debut for France Under-21s against England last week. Many scouts were expected to be present for the game, and the fact that he netted an eye-catching hat-trick in the 5-3 win over England in a friendly fixture.

Arsenal want Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike is expected to leave Frankfurt at the end of the season and it remains to be seen exactly how much the German side will demand for their star forward. He certainly makes sense as a target for Arsenal right now after the frustrating season they have endured.

Injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have derailed the Gunners’ campaign. The troika’s lack of unavailability means there has been no consistent source of goals. Leandro Trossard has carried the attack to some extent but he is more effective off the bench rather than starting games. Mikel Merino has chipped in with important goals since being used as a false 9, but if the North Londoners are to realistically challenge for the Premier League title next season, they have to bring in a clinical goalscorer.

Ekitike would be a good fit and add the much-needed potency to Arsenal’s attack. The Frenchman is only 22 and would fit the signings Mikel Arteta has been making in recent years. The ex-PSG man would be an exciting acquisition, while bringing competition within the squad.

Therefore, the Gunners have to be proactive and start laying the groundwork for a potential move for Ekitike during the summer.

I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.